Don’t Sleep on Your Beds!

Flower beds are beautiful, smell wonderful, and add so much color and enjoyment when you look at your lawn. And no weeds! That must be hard work. Did you do it all yourself?

Getting rid of weeds can be a time-consuming and back-breaking job. And pulling the weeds by hand can leave root systems intact to grow again. Then, when you’re done, the weeds might be gone, but the pain in the back and the hands lingers on. You have to do it again. And again.

Weeds!

Kansas has more than its average share of weeds of many kinds. Some can cause allergic reactions that affect breathing. In addition, the winds that sweep across Kansas spread the weed seeds and pollen far and wide. 

Weeds are such a problem that several things have to happen in bedding before, during, and after your flowers start to bloom.

• Pre-emergent herbicides are weed preventers that have to be applied before the weeds germinate.
• Existing weeds have to be removed by hand. Get as much as you can, and don’t forget to try to remove the root system.
• Pre-emergent herbicides cannot control some weeds. They will probably need spot herbicides as they grow.
• Some ornamental plants and flowers can be damaged or killed by some pre-emergent herbicides. Read labels carefully, or talk with someone with experience with weeds and herbicides.
• Mulch, a nice thick bed of mulch that a weed will have trouble penetrating, plus pre-emergent herbicides can create an effective barrier to germination and weeds sprouting.

In addition, the weeds can attract unwanted pests. For example, they can ruin the appearance of your bedding. 

Weeds can threaten the roots of your plants. Weed roots can reach out and do their worst. Once the weeds appear, your options for getting rid of them are more limited. Again, spot herbicides will be most effective, but some bedding plants, flowers, and edible garden plants like vegetables or spices don’t do well with herbicides. 

Most pesticides or herbicides must be applied repeatedly throughout the year. After application, once the weeds are dead, they will need to be removed, with special attention to getting the seed pods and roots out of your lawn or bedding.

When?

Finding the right time to apply herbicides can depend on what weeds are present in your lawns and flower beds. Some weeds grow early in the year. Dandelions, for example, start growing almost as soon as the snow melts. Some other weeds don’t appear before the fall season.

Applying pre-emergent herbicides in the spring can help prevent summer weeds. However, don’t apply to your fruit trees and vegetable beds till after summer fruits and vegetables have sprouted, the herbicides can harm plants that have not germinated yet.

The spring application of herbicide won’t last forever. By fall, the herbicides are done protecting your gardens and lawns. The application of fall herbicides can help keep new weeds from growing in the spring. Then you can start over.

If your pre-emergent herbicide is applied after the weeds have germinated, it will probably not be effective in preventing weed growth. This is because pre-emergent herbicides stunt the growth of weeds before they have a chance to sprout. 

What kind?

What types of weeds are in your lawns and bedding? How big are your lawn and garden? How much time do you have?

Pre-emergent herbicides will help to control weeds such as invasive grasses and vines. However, it can be a big job to keep up with what weeds are on your property and the time to get rid of them without damaging your expensive and beautiful ornamental plants. 

If your flowers and edible plants have started to grow and show their colors, some of the pre-emergents will be safe to apply before more weeds start sprouting. But, again, read labels carefully, especially around edible plants that will grace your table.

Post-emergent treatments will get to the weeds that have already sprouted. 

Both kinds of treatments, pre-emergent and post-emergent, will provide more comprehensive coverage.

Maybe the team that takes care of your lawns, Divine Lawns, can help you with your weed problems. Their people are knowledgeable about pre-emergent treatments for your lawn and bedding.

Application

Herbicides usually come in liquid or granule form. Apply it evenly over the area to be treated. 

Water is essential to herbicide application! Therefore, apply a generous amount after each application of the herbicide.

Keep off the grass! If you’ve applied herbicides to your lawns and bedding, it should not be disturbed—no aerating or mowing until after the pre-emergent herbicide has had water applied.

Mulch

We talk about mulch a lot. Perhaps you’ve seen some bedding areas where a thick layer of mulch all around the plants. Although pre-emergent herbicides will do only part of the job, mulch will help complete the job of keeping the weed seeds from germinating and growing into weeds.

Mulch will also prevent the growth of weeds that seed and germinate later in the season. If the buds and sprouts can’t get out past the mulch and into the sunlight and water, they will eventually wilt and die.

You can choose from various mulches that will enhance your landscaping and your home.

Maintenance

Healthy lawns and bedding can compete with some weeds and invasive grasses. Likewise, thick, healthy grass can choke out weeds. Routine maintenance is important, though, and your lawn care pros, Divine Lawns, already do a lot of that maintenance as they mow and control pests.

Taking care of yourself

We have seen a lot of publicity and warnings about herbicides in the last few years. Gloves, eye protection, a mask, and keeping your skin covered are necessities if you decide to battle the weeds on your own. 

If you’re worried for yourself or your family as a result of working with these potentially toxic substances, your landscape team at Divine Lawns has plenty of experience in safely applying herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers to lawns and bedding.